Lancashire Flashcards
What Criminal Charged were Levied against witches
Most people were worried about malificium not the satanic pact
- Tyranny of local opinion meant witches found themselves in court due to actions levelled against them by neighbours
How did the Village Community effect the Development of Witchcraft?
Most people lived in countryside so witchcraft was a rural phenomenon
Evidence of witchcraft in towns it was far less common
In villahe communities everyone knew everyone and you were swiftly punished if you stood out
What was the demographic of those accused?
Likely to be wives of labourers and the accusers were members of yeomen families (due to taking a witch to court being expensive)
Most were relatively poor, old and single women who were particularly vulnerable as without the guidance of a man they didn’t have the power to resist the devil
How did Female Rivalries Contribute?
Female rivalries were often more intense than those involving men
- Witchcraft accusations were one of the most effective ways women could exercise power
- Women were 15c more likely to give evidence in witchcraft trials than other trials
What were the Importance of the Lancashire Witches
- 7 years post gunpowder plot
- Threatened James’ control
- Accused of plotting to blow Lancashire castle
- Strong catholic links with gunpowder plot
What were the overall themes?
Feud between neighbours and rival families
Interrogators & trials were of questionable legitimacy
Evidence of diabolical pacts sought in all cases
What was the Socio-Economic situation in Pendle?
An upland pastoral economy (some arable farming with cloth)
Most families worked to make cloth as a form of agriculture
Suspects accused of damaging pendle forest (owned by the crown)
39% inflation in rent
What situations threatened the Population of Pendle
Threat of eviction
Rich became richer, poor became poorer
Rapid population growth
Food needed to be produced and religious needs cared for
What did the Duchy of Lancaster do?
Validation of copy holders estates questioned in hopes of gaining money
petitioned, addicting to economic tension
What was the Tenancy Situation like?
- Short contracts lead to insecurity
- Witches in properties acquired by illegal arrangements
